Alfred E. Gardner is considered to be one of the first settlers to reside in
western Weakley County, Tennessee. He was an influential member of the East
Hickman Land Association and participated in numerous land sales in western
Tennessee, most being in Weakley, Obion, and Madison Counties. He also was involved
in land transactions in the states of Kentucky and Alabama. Deeds to lands located
in west Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama from 1823 to 1898 are housed in the
collection. Records of the East Hickman Land Association (1853-1859), the last
will and testament of Benjamin Bendurant (1845) are also included. The deeds
of John Almus Gardner for whom Gardner, Tennessee (Weakley County) is named
is included.